Sad News To Report – In Loving Memory of Andrew “Breadman” Egressy

It is my sad duty to report the passing of DSA Brother Andrew S. Egressy. Brother Egressy put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 10 years as a Mason.

Andrew S. Egressy
August 10, 1937 – March 4, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of DSA Brother Andrew Egressy, who laid down the working tools of life on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 87, after 10 years as a Master Mason.

Shortly after affiliating with Blazing Star Lodge #694, he introduced a project born from a simple yet troubling realization—food pantries often struggled to obtain sliced bread, a staple in every home. What began as a modest effort soon grew into a remarkable mission. Over the years, he expanded the program significantly, enlisting the help of Brothers from Blazing Star and other Lodges from Erie, PA to Syracuse, NY. His tireless work ensured that food pantries throughout the region received much-needed bread. His efforts did not go unnoticed. He was contacted by a jelly manufacturer who began donating six to ten tons of jelly per year for distribution.

At the request of several Brothers and one specific Grand Lodge Brother, Blazing Star Lodge proudly nominated Brother Egressy for the Distinguished Service Award, an honor reserved for Masons who go above and beyond the usual high standard we as Masons all hold. It was a testament to his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and impact on the community.

Brother Egressy shaped our Lodge in many ways, most notably through his humility, kindness, and immediate friendship. Yet what truly set him apart was his compassion, his relentless drive, and his commitment to a cause that changed lives. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, in the Lodge he strengthened, and in the example he set for all of us. The work he began will live on through the Brothers of the Bread program, ensuring that food pantries continue to receive the support they need—a lasting testament to his vision, dedication, and generosity.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Brother Andy, your memory lives on in our hearts.

Our Brother was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 19, 2013. Passed to Fellowcraft on October 17, 2013, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 14, 2013. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on March 4, 2025, at the age of 87 and a Mason for 10 years. Our Brother worked the quarry for many years and leaves behind a great legacy. Thank you Brother for all of your contributions to Masonry and to the betterment of humanity. You can rest knowing your good works will live on for years to come.

Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Brother Egressy in this difficult time.


“Well done thou good and faithful servant.  Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.

We Have More Jelly!

Our jelly manufacturer asked us to pick up a load of jelly and juices! Six full pallets of Jelly and juices!!! It took us three trucks and two trailers to bring the pallets to the Lodge for short-term storage. We were a bit short-staffed for the unloading but with our efficient system, we got everything unloaded and stacked in record time.

Do you want to participate with the Brothers Of The Bread charity? We are looking for Lodges across New York State and across the country to join us in helping food get to those who need it most. Please Contact Us with interest or questions you have about the program.

Does your food pantry need additional food to help support those in need in your area? PLEASE contact us because we have plenty to go around and with our relationships, we can always get more.

A New Distributor

Our first pickup was light but we were told more will be available in the coming weeks. It is great to be able to partner with distributors and manufacturers who are so willing and able to help.

This batch was picked up on Thursday and today (Wednesday) it is already gone. More to come tomorrow.

Three Tons Of Jelly

Have you ever wondered what three tons of jelly looked like? Probably not but this is it! Three pallets of jelly ready to be distributed to food pantries, schools, and families in need. Brothers of the Bread works daily to help support local charities that require donations to assists those in need.

If you are a business that has food or other items to donate please contact us. We will ensure those items are distributed to those who need them most.

If you are a charity in need of donations or a family who needs some help please contact us to make arrangements for a single delivery or reoccurring deliveries.

Snacks Added To Donations

Everyone needs a little something salty once in a while. We were fortunate to partner with a chips and other assorted snacks manufacturer / distributor in the area to bring a wide assortment of bagged snacks. In the photo you can see the donate ready to be distributed to food pantries, schools and others in need.

Panorama photo of a flat wall of snacks!

New Shipment of Jelly

One hundred and twenty (120) cases of grape and strawberry jelly were generously donated. This jelly will quickly be distributed to local food pantries from Niagara Falls to Rochester. We frequently make trips to numerous food manufacturers and distributors to pick up pallets of food that are then distributed to those in need. Either through food pantries or directly to families who request help. Please feel free to contact us if you are in a position to donate or if you find yourself needing a little extra to help feed your family. Everything is confidential. We accept all donations and are willing to set up a schedule to pick up the food at your convenience. Contact us for further details.